The 2024 World Series featured a high-stakes clash between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers, two of Major League Baseball’s premier teams. This championship battle drew widespread attention as it showcased both the American League MVP, Aaron Judge, and the National League MVP, Shohei Ohtani, competing on the sport’s grandest stage. Despite the Yankees’ powerful lineup, the Dodgers’ consistent offense and strong pitching ultimately outmatched New York, securing the title for Los Angeles.
Renewed Tensions As 2025 Season Heats Up
Though the series ended over eight months ago, the upcoming 2025 World Series rematch between the Dodgers and Yankees has reignited discussions around lingering comments made by Dodgers players following their 2024 victory. With both teams positioned as serious contenders this season, the banter has resurfaced. When recently asked about these remarks, Aaron Judge candidly addressed the matter.
I feel like their big-time players that played every day or played in the games, they really didn’t say too much,
Judge said.
It was a lot of the guys who really didn’t do much. So I didn’t pay too much attention to it. They can say what they want. When it comes down to it, we didn’t win. If you win, you can say what you want. We didn’t win. We kind of just got to take it on the chin and prepare yourself for the next season.
—Aaron Judge, New York Yankees Captain
Judge’s response came after several Dodgers players publicly criticized the Yankees’ late-series performance, especially during the crucial Game 5. One particularly pointed comment from former Dodger Chris Taylor appeared to trigger Judge’s remarks.
Chris Taylor’s Stark Critique of Yankees’ Gutsy Game 5 Collapse
Chris Taylor notably described the Yankees’ showing in Game 5 with blunt language, stating that New York essentially “s–t down their leg” during that pivotal moment. This comment underscored the frustration some Dodgers felt watching the Yankees falter, particularly after a strong start. The Dodgers had held a 4-0 lead early in the game before scoring five unanswered runs in the fifth inning, which swung momentum irrevocably in their favor.
Judge’s misplay in centerfield—a rare, unforced error where he dropped a routine line drive—was widely viewed as the turning point that fueled the Dodgers’ comeback. His batting average of .222 for the series reflected a disappointing performance compared to expectations. This loss added to the offseason upheaval for the Yankees, including the departure of star outfielder Juan Soto to their city rivals, the New York Mets.
Judge’s Calm Yet Firm Response Signals Motivation for Revenge
Known for his composed and professional demeanor, Aaron Judge did not shy away from addressing the criticisms but also remained measured, acknowledging his team’s shortcomings. With the 2025 World Series set to begin soon, Judge has a clear opportunity to respond not just to the Dodgers’ earlier comments but also to prove himself on baseball’s biggest stage once again. The looming rematch promises high intensity and serves as a chance for the Yankees to overturn last season‘s outcome.